Federal False Claims Act Lawyer in New Jersey

The federal False Claims Act is the government’s primary tool to combat fraud involving federal funds, allowing private citizens with knowledge of fraud to file qui tam lawsuits on behalf of the United States. These whistleblower cases have recovered tens of billions of dollars for taxpayers while rewarding courageous individuals who expose fraud with substantial financial awards. However, False Claims Act cases involve complex federal procedures and require strategic legal representation to succeed.

We represent False Claims Act whistleblowers throughout New Jersey. As an experienced federal whistleblower attorney, Peter Katz helps clients through the qui tam process, protects their rights, and pursues the significant financial rewards available under the False Claims Act.

Understanding the Federal False Claims Act

The False Claims Act imposes liability on individuals and companies that defraud federal government programs. The law covers any fraudulent claim for payment submitted to the federal government or to contractors, grantees, or other recipients of federal funds. Violations carry substantial penalties, including treble damages plus civil penalties of thousands of dollars per false claim.

Common types of False Claims Act violations include:

• Healthcare fraud involving Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, or other federal healthcare programs
• Defense contractor fraud involving overcharging or providing defective products to the military
• Government procurement fraud through bid-rigging or false certifications
• Grant fraud by researchers or institutions receiving federal research funding
• Fraud involving federal housing programs, agricultural subsidies, or disaster relief funds

For these or similar reasons, our attorney can help you file a whistleblower complaint.

The Qui Tam Provision and Whistleblower Awards

The False Claims Act’s qui tam provision allows private citizens, called relators, to file lawsuits on behalf of the United States government. If the lawsuit succeeds, the whistleblower receives between 15% and 30% of the government’s recovery, depending on whether the Department of Justice intervenes and on the whistleblower’s contribution to the outcome.

Qui tam awards can be substantial, as False Claims Act cases often recover millions or even hundreds of millions of dollars, resulting in multi-million-dollar whistleblower awards. Since 1986, the Justice Department has recovered over $70 billion through False Claims Act cases, with whistleblowers receiving billions in awards.

Filing a Qui Tam Case

False Claims Act cases follow unique procedures. The whistleblower and their attorney file the complaint under seal, meaning it remains confidential and is not served on the defendant. The complaint is provided only to the government and the court. The government then investigates the allegations, a process that can take months or even years.

After an investigation, the Department of Justice decides whether to intervene and assume responsibility for the prosecution. If the government intervenes, it assumes primary responsibility for litigating the case, while the whistleblower remains a party and continues to work with government attorneys. If the government declines intervention, the whistleblower can proceed with the case independently.

Anti-Retaliation Protections

Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who investigate, report, or participate in False Claims Act cases. Protected whistleblowers who experience retaliation can recover reinstatement, double back pay, litigation costs, and attorney fees. These protections apply even if your qui tam case ultimately doesn’t succeed, as long as your allegations were made in good faith.

Finding the Right False Claims Act Lawyer in New Jersey

New Jersey’s concentration of healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical companies, defense contractors, and research institutions means many significant federal fraud schemes involve New Jersey entities or individuals. From hospital billing fraud to pharmaceutical kickback schemes to defense contractor overcharges, New Jersey whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing federal fraud.

The False Claims Act provides nationwide jurisdiction for federal fraud regardless of where it occurs, and New Jersey whistleblowers can pursue cases involving fraud anywhere in the United States. A New Jersey attorney experienced in qui tam litigation helps you determine whether your information supports a False Claims Act case and supports you throughout the entire process. Call Peter Katz at (609) 849-3179 or contact us online for a confidential consultation about your False Claims Act case.